Throw Away Your Checklists...

A good friend called me and complained that the dinner guest who she invited for dinner one night didn't bring anything such as flowers or even dessert. She said to me in astonishment, "Wasn't that rude!" I asked her if this was the same person who she called early one Sunday morning when her heat went out and he came right away. And another time when I happened to be at her house this same person came to fix an electrical problem eventhough she didn't have an appointment. I reminded her of his unselfish treatment and she felt ashamed for complaining.
We all have checklists for the roles people in our lives are suppose to fill. I was at my sister-in-laws house for an anniversary party for my mother and father-in-law. When I arrived early with my 9 month old baby, I gave him to my husband at the time and served everyone drinks. It was a nice party and most of the guests seemed to have a nice time, except for my sister-in-laws. I went in to say my goodbyes and thank you's and I was given frosty replies by them. I had no idea why I was getting the cold shoulder. So, I asked if there was a problem. My two sister-in-laws cornered me in the kitchen and gave me a hard time for not helping to clean the dishes. I told them I served cocktails and picked up empty cups and discarded them. Also, I had a baby to care for. Well, that didn't sit well with them because their checklist for a sister-in-law included washing pots and Tupperware after a party.
We all have checklists for friends, sisters, fathers etc, and we like to check the lists when they behave the way we feel is appropriate. I say throw away your checklists and appreciate the people in your life. Unrealistic expectations of how you didn't get a check beside the sister-in-law or friend list is a huge reason angry disagreements happen with the people we love in our lives.

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